Author: Jessica Grono

Gas prices, inflation and food prices are on most people’s mind. I have had anxiety over this as a mom with cerebral palsy.  No choice for us who need a wheelchair van that uses much gas instead of a fuel economical car.  Buying food requires more thought for the kids who like to eat fruits, vegetables and meat.  I’m not a hopeless person, but until the current administration changes course, I don’t see anything improving. There are several memes circulating social media that people shouldn’t complain about gas prices because they buy Starbucks coffee.  Or, we shouldn’t complain about gas…

Lent is the forty day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Thursday. Christians celebrate the Season of Lent to reflect the death and amazing Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Catholic household, we fast, sacrifice and pray. However, you do not have to be Catholic to do any of these activities. If you even have a bit of faith the size of a mustard seed, then you can practice Lent too. In our house, Lent is a big deal with traditions, fasting, Bible, Mass, reconciliation and giving. Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is the start of the season…

Nine years flew by faster than anything I can remember. Jason was born early in 2013. I have learned, adjusted, challenged and loved as a mom. So much love for children parents have. It’s difficult to imagine not having my children. If you haven’t changed by having a child, I’m not sure what will. When I learned that I was having a son, I felt nervous. I’m very girly, and I already had Laura so I knew about girls. I do have a nephew who I adore so I knew I’d figure it out! Being a mom to a boy…

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that receives a lot of criticism I don’t understand why people are anti Valentine’s Day. Yes, we can celebrate Valentine’s Day everyday by loving someone. This holiday doesn’t take away the fact that we can say I love you daily. Talk about commercial holidays – there is Christmas, Halloween and plenty of other holidays which require money. Valentine’s Day, like any holiday, is whatever you make it. I have no idea why Valentine’s Day has a bad wrap. My first memories of this holiday is when I was young. My parents gave us little…

Winter used to be not my favorite season. The cold runs havoc on cerebral palsy causes muscles to be stiff or flat out haywire with involuntary movements. Since having children, my perspective has changed. I actually enjoy the coziness of the dark, cold night. It forces us to get in our warm pajamas and be together. The kids still play outside during winter when it’s light out especially Jason and his best friend. They could play outside for hours no matter the cold. On a weekend, Jason’s best friend slept over and it happened to snow! They enjoyed playing in…

Summer has to be the fastest season – especially when you have kids. It seems like the last day of school equals endless opportunities. Then, bam, the end of summer hits harder than a speed train! School started back last Monday, and we had Labor Day weekend fly by. We did accomplish several things on our bucket list. Jason and I burn very quickly. We went to the beach, amusement park, and other activities outside. Without sunscreen, Jason and I were lobsters, while others looked lightly sun-kissed. Sunscreen is a definite must for us!I love roller-coaster rides. Jeff and I…

Perfect moments exist during motherhood make me feel awesome. They are fleeting moments that I’d like to hold on to forever, but they never last. The memory remains, especially on challenging days. Perfect moments blessed me in the last few weeks. Whenever I think of them, I smile and wish I could relive them over again. Holy Communion Awesome Tips When Jason was in second grade, he experienced his First Holy Communion. That school year, the coronavirus pandemic existed, so Catholic education was at home. I taught Jason lessons for Catechism. I enjoyed those moments of just him and me.…

Travel with cerebral palsy happens, but not quickly. I love to travel! The problems are accessible hotel rooms, accessibility in where I travel, and I hate to fly. I do fly, but it’s just not my favorite. Other than all of that, I’d travel if I had the money and time. I find it fun to think about the top places that I’d like to travel. Where would you go? A travel wheelchair helps as well. You can even buy one on Amazon. I recommend a travel wheelchair because airplanes have a habit of breaking wheelchairs, unfortunately. Travel to my…

Inspiration comes from several people. I have difficulty just finding one person who inspires me the most. People inspire me every day, and they all have similar qualities. I feel inspired by those who face challenges and overcome, suffer mentally or physically but carry on, generous people, faithful people, and the kindest people. I’m also inspired by those who are confident in themselves no matter the situation. My inspiration comes from a teacher who is well-organized, focused, and caring. She inspires me to be a better teacher and be even more organized. I also admire her confidence in not caring…

Complaining isn’t my style. As people, we complain, but some more than others. I’m trying to complete a 30-day blog challenge and today’s question is, what are your three pet peeves. I aspire to write about happy things, so negative writing pushes me out of my comfort zone. Three pet peeves Complaining – Whenever I hear whining, I immediately think about action. For every complaint, there is an action to relieve the problem. If something is messy, fix it. If someone is bothering you, talk to the person. Are you feeling unhappy? Find your happiness and do it. Life is…